July 29, 2025 | Be God's Family
Love One Another
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3(NIV)
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Devotional
How many of you went to church camp? One of my most vivid memories is sitting around the campfire and singing camp songs. Here are some lyrics to one of my favorites:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.......
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored.......
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.......
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.......
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
They'll know we are Christians by our love
This passage from Hebrews is all about love! The love spoken about here is philadelphia (no not the city!). It’s the love of our brothers and sisters and how we should care for each other. We are to love our fellow man but especially care for the meek, the helpless and those suffering from injustice – the “least of these.” Hebrews gives three examples of how we are to offer this love.
We are first to show hospitality. Hospitality was valued in ancient times as travelers from here and there relied on the kindness of strangers. For us, caring for strangers includes opening not just our homes but our hearts and minds to the needs of others and making them feel welcome and loved. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
We are to remember those in prison. Incarcerated individuals deserve to be treated humanely. And people can be imprisoned by so many circumstances, not just behind bars. One can be trapped in difficult relationships. One can be held captive by their aging and failing body. Addictions can feel like a prison. We are to remember these circumstances as if we were suffering with them. As if we were caring for Jesus. “I was in prison, and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:36)
We are to remember those who are mistreated. Caring for and showing love to those being oppressed, neglected, abused or victimized is our charge as Christians. This includes people being mistreated over their race, religion, gender, nationality, or life choices. Christian voices are needed regarding justice and mercy – we cannot be silent. “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” (Psalm 82:3)
I read this statement recently - “It shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter.” Our hearts should always be open to the plight of others. Empathy.... Compassion.... Love. That’s what it means to truly live out the Gospel message. How are you showing hospitality, remembering those held captive, and supporting those mistreated? Do they know you are a Christian by your love?
Poem
If You Truly Love
Psalm 97
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
Psalm 97: 10-12
If you truly love God
And you boast in His love
You will truly love each, one another
You will hate what is evil
And cling to the good
And extend grace to sister and brother
If you truly love others
And you do good to them
You will act as a child of the Father
You will know righteous light
And your heart be upright
And God’s grace through you shines even farther
